For as many years, and as many EMT recerts as I can remember, talk of an annual gathering of AST/ASM's, active and retired, has always been one that everyone supports, but aside from the annual rate reviews and occasional retirement of notables, one that never is realized. I have a suggestion.
Since it's beginnings in the late 70's and early 80's I have watched year after year as Elite athletes and Everyday Joes stand side by side on the beach at the Ironman races around the world, and prepare to explore their own limits of Human Endurance and strength of will. We've all seen the images of Julie Moss crawling across the finish line at the 1982 Championship as she redefined determination and courage. The epic battles of will between the greats, Scott and Tinley, and the ordinary folk finishing year after year well after dark, battling only the cutoffs and their inner demons. I made this journey in 2003 along with three of my best friends in the world. The bonds forged between the three of us that Late October night as the last of us ran the last few steps of that glorious finishline chute, will never be undone. The months of training paying off in wave after wave of Elation and Exhaustion. A few weeks ago, over beers, we swore an allegiance to go after it again in June 2009. Which brings me to the challenge.
I can think of no other sport that is more suited to those of us in this rate. The mental ability to hang in there while others quit, Operating alone, while being part of a larger team, enjoying the "not many people can say they've done this" component, and of course all of the Trash Talk that this provides for years to come. So if you've ever said "maybe someday", if you see a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, ands a 26.2 mile run as a "nice little workout" and a good opportunity to spend a few days with the guys at the lake. Then we challenge you to Sign up on June 22, 2008 for the 2009 Ford Ironman Couer D'Alene. It'll close out within the first few hours so you'll have to be ready when it opens. How great would it be to get a large group of us to the finish line. I guarantee It'll be something you'll never regret, or forget.
I know there are enough swimmers that visit this site that can help get the word out. I'll be sending flyers out to all the shops within the next few months. Meanwhile if there are any questions send me an e-mail or throw it out here for everyone to ponder........Mike

Alright mike... if you really want me to come out of triathlon retirement and give ya another whoopin i guess i can oblige ya. **cough 11:49:19 Cough**

I have 2 other guys in the shop that say they are down but i have a sneaking suspiscion that one of them will "scaff out".

lets see if anyone else will sack up!

I don't know if he's interested but I'd put a plug in for Scott Cheers if anyone were to ask me. I've seen him in competition.

Thanks for the lead.Where is Cheers stationed now? There are quite a few out there with incredible ability. Thor Wentz just finished his first Ironman last month, and Brad Pigage competed in the World Championship 70.3 last year in Clearwater and finished top ten in his age group IN THE WORLD!!!

He's in North Bend. Top Fin just told me today Scott has/had a bad wheel. Don't know the current status.

Looks good Moe, When I get back from bean town we can get together to work on an email. I found all of the pictures and I will send that email to Tee when I get back to work. Randy is in, I also mentioned it to Josh at the pool today so we will see. Later
Pjoe

New Orleans is hosting a half Iron in april 09.

http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1...a7-a50e-0d4645f2d032

I think im going to punk at least 2 other guys from the shop into it. Should be a good judge on where you are at in training since it is just a couple few months before the big one in idaho.

Im surprised there isnt more intrest or smack being talked in here mo'dell... guess there must be more daisies than sharks now a days!

I'm going to be doing a little training with my fellow hippies dancing to the "Playing Dead" and "The Peach Eaters" at copperfields in Boston tonight if your interested in getting in a little pre mini marathon work out.

Anybody else want to sit with a case of beer, maybe some chicken wings and watch?

quote:

Originally posted by calir1:
Anybody else want to sit with a case of beer, maybe some chicken wings and watch?

Since I'm not a rescue swimmer, at least not yet, consider me in for that. Just kidding. In all seriousness though, that sounds like fun a bunch of years from now.

HERE HERE!!!!!! all for the wings n beer! even better after a nice swim n run

Mr freefall, you are not a swimmer so change your name until you have earned the right to use it. Do not butt in on swimmer discussions, you do not belong to the club yet.

I just ran in a race for the cure 5K with my wife and four of my five kids in South Boston. I was neck and neck with my 7 and 9 year old at the 3 mile mark at 24 plus minutes when the bastards looked at me and sprinted ahead to the finish. My 14 yearold daughter came in first place in the 18 and under girls and my little boys came in 7 & 8th for the 18 and under boys. I came in 7th in the 45-50 catagory and my wife and other boy Mike finished in 34 plus minutes.
Now I'm afraid all I have is quick hands!
Peace,
Dick

14080989,
I think the MR Freefall is a refrence to his skydiving hobby. You should really relax on the "don't belong to the club" crap as well seeing as this is an open forum and last time I checked a free country. I see that no one really knows who you may be by your profile, other than residing in Michigan. Maybe you are not "in the club".

Can I be in the club?

quote:

Originally posted by fenestron:
Can I be in the club?

Hoe do you feel inside when you see a grown man naked?